The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
HOW TO CARE FOR HIBISCUS IN WINTER
Q: We have six potted hibiscus that we move in and out of our home every fall and spring. We usually have to cut them way back to fit them into our warm basement area, where they get six hours of indirect light. The problem is it takes them all summer to bloom again. Any suggestions for next spring? Beth Eugene, email
A: If you have to cut them way back in order to keep them indoors for the winter, it’s likely the plants don’t have many leaves left after pruning. The indirect light in the basement might keep the top of the plant alive, but barely so. When you take the plants back out in spring, it could take several weeks to get photosynthesis cranked up and producing new leaves and flower buds. I think the hibiscus plants would be better off if you pruned them to a smaller size in August each year, giving them enough time to recover and make new leaves before they have to be moved inside. You don’t have to shear everything off. With a little thought and judicious pruning, you can remove the longest twigs while still leaving enough leaves and flower buds to power a healthy and attractive recovery. Buy an aluminum clamp light and a 100watt equivalent fluorescent bulb for each plant. Install 12 inches above the foliage.
Q: I love hot peppers and grow ghost peppers in two containers. What is the best way to care for them if I bring them inside for the winter? Daniel Landrum, Paulding County
A: Even though we think of peppers as being annual plants, many different kinds are perennial and can be kept alive for several years if given the right winter conditions. Successfully keeping the peppers alive in winter depends on how much light you can give them. The minimum is two 40-watt fluorescent tubes. Four tubes per plant is even better. You’ll have to figure out a way to stand them on end on either side of each plant. Place them as close to the leaves as possible. I think 16 hours of artificial light per day is adequate. Peppers like it warm! The temperature around them should be in the low 70s.
Unless your storage area is really dry, the plants will not need much water. Insert a finger into the soil every few days to see if it is damp or dry. Apply water only when the soil is dry; don’t let it become soggy. Use water-soluble fertilizer one time each month. When it is warm enough to bring them outside in May, the plants will have a huge head start compared to starting from seed.
Q: I had to dig up all my iris bulbs so that I could remove the monkey grass that had grown in the bed. Is it OK to replant them now or should I wait until the spring? Joyce Swart, email
A: Your technique of digging out the monkey grass and bulbs in order to rid yourself of the monkey grass is hard work, but it’s the only way possible to separate the two plants. Go ahead and plant the iris now after adding compost to the bed.
Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on News 95.5 FM and AM750 WSB. Visit his website, www. walterreeves.com, follow him on Twitter @walterreeves, on Pinterest, or join his Facebook Fan Page at bit.ly/georgiagardener for more garden tips.